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River Rafting – Orange River Rafting Review

A special thanks to Max and Family for the awesome feedback and review below on their Family Orange River Rafting experience with us: to book contact: bookings@saforestadventures.co.za

Family Orange River Rafting Adventure.

It is difficult to decide what to do as a family every year. We stay in different towns and cannot always make time to spend together. My daughter a few months back had a class outing where they all went zip-lining in Constantia with SA Forest Adventures. She overheard one of the guides mention that they were taking a family Orange river rafting soon. Between her raving about how amazing Cape Town ziplines was and her begging me to go Orange river rafting. I started to think about suggesting the family go on a rafting trip. Camping under the stars, while spending our nights huddled around a camp fire and competing to catch the biggest fish in the day. That sounded like bliss!

Some of us are not particular water babies, where both my brothers have a deep love for water sport. I did some research of course and found SA Forest Adventures to be the company to not only respond the quickest, but they were the most forthcoming with information and friendly assistance. My mind was made up. I managed to secure a booking after a mild debate between the family: My sister was worried about our parents both in their 60’s, and her own son which just turn nine. Looking back I smile because it is difficult to tell who enjoyed it more, the younger or older family members.

The entire experience was out of this world! In some areas the water level was turbulent but not so that it was dangerous. With that said it was never boring. If you didn’t want to paddle down a moody stretch of water called ‘Big Bunny’ you could get out and walk along the side watching as the rest of us screamed in delight. Not once can I say that the Orange river rafting was tedious, some areas were more placid but there the wildlife was utterly captivating. We saw birds of prey swoop down and catch fish meters for our rafts as we floated down the river.

There were a number of otters that dashed and dived on the edges of the river as we drifted along. We even saw small monkeys gallivanting in the tree tops completely oblivious to our large group passing within reach of them. The entire trip form pitching up tents, to fishing, meals and transport – everything was efficient and one could easily distinguish that the company had done this more times than they could count. This however did not take away from their enthusiasms and eagerness to assist. With regards to rafting, we were seated two per raft, which made it all the more interesting.

We were constantly competing on who could paddle to the front, during the few days we also switched partners which I know was the best bonding session my son and husband had in months. In this day and age it is sometimes difficult to catch up and just talk while seated in close proximity. It warmed my heart to see them laugh and splash each other while enjoying the comfortable row down the river. It is valuable time that I know each of us will treasure for always. The small chats, the laughs and over all the entire experience.

I want to thank you SA FOREST ADVENTURES, for taking us on a trip of a life time! Thank you for your efforts, for the photos, the delicious meals that had my daughter going back for seconds. Already my children are speaking about the next Orange River Rafting trip, this I see will become an annual ritual in our family.

Orange River Rafting

“this review contribution was from Melissa and her husband whom have been on a 4 day orange river rafting adventure with us in April”

Recently my husband convince me to join him for a trip rafting down the Orange River near the town of Onseepkans on the Namibian border close to Pofadder.

The reason why we selected to raft the Orange River Rafting Gorge section near Onseepkans was that we have rafted the Vioolsdrift section. It was disappointing with how commercialized the whole experience was. We had 4 other rafting companies with us on the same stretch of river. It did not feel remote at all. As the Owner of Sa Forest Adventures explained to us – our experience with them would be similar to an exploration experience vs the commercial rafting experience. He was spot on!

Although my husband and I are both somewhat adventurous I sincerely did not know what to expect from our Orange River Rafting holiday. We have traveled quiet extensively, but I must say without hesitation this Orange River Rafting trip was by far the most memorable of all our excursions. It completely exceeded our expectations! Normally on trips like this you often experience hiccups with regards to bookings, logistics etc, however the process was quick, effective and being a bit of a control freak I was delighted when the information and details were swiftly emailed through. We were kept in the loop about departure times, what needed to be brought along and what the company supplied ect.

Our transfer to Onseepkans for the Orange River was in a spacious sprinter 13 seater bus, with aircon and enjoyably there was a constant flow of music which kept the small group in jovial spirits. The transport was an additional cost but worth the price for not driving from Cape Town and back. Through-out the trip I must admit that I was pleasantly surprised at the professionalism and friendliness of the guides. They were extremely knowledgeable about the terrain and the rafting in general. They taught us the necessary signals when in various situations on the water and also took time to ensure proper safety was set up for each rapid.

The food that was served on this rafting trip was phenomenal! I mean out of this world! The rafting takes place on one of the most remote stretches of rivers. So we did not expect such a high standard in food. From the breakfasts, to snacks for lunch and dinners. It is difficult to distinguish a favorite. All the dishes were prepared skilfully over the crackling fire. There was an array of fruits, teas, coffees and yogurts also served some mornings when a warm breakfast wasn’t served. I didn’t dream that these meals would surpass even some hotels we have stayed at before. But I am letting the delicious food side track me.

Back to the guides, one of the most unforgettable experiences was when one evening after dinner we were all gathered around the dying embers of the fire. One of the guides meticulously pulled out a brilliant green laser, which is usually used to highlight stars in the evening. He taught us things about the stars, the alignment of constellations that I myself never knew, it was beyond fascinating. Despite his education and interesting stories about some of the stars and how they originated, it is hard to forget the magnificent beauty of the twinkling orbs when the velvety black of night spread across the heavens

On this trip it was as if my eyes opened to the remarkable beauty of nature for the first time. A kaleidoscope of orange, reds, and yellows painting the canvas in the sky every evening upon its descent. I know, I have left the best for last. The actual experience of the trip was surreal for the lack of a better word. From start to the finish, the raw beauty of the canyons we rafted past had me in awe – the scenery was breath-taking. With each paddle new wildlife, and knew elements of nature were exposed to us. It was as if the crew had managed to guide us into one of nature’s most secretive locations in Africa, which had been yielded to only the bare minimal human contact. The Orange River Gorge was the Highlight of our 4 day adventure. One evening we slept high up on a rocky slope near the Orange River Gorge, it was magically I even left my tent open so I could see the mesmerizing twinkling stars. They appeared so abundant on the inky blackness like I could reach out and touch them we were so high up.

Another evening we camped next to the cascading river. The soothing sound of the water tumbling over the rocks vibrated over the landscapes and lulled us to sleep. Another night we camped on a grassy slope next to a calmer section of the river. On that particular camp site we spent hours fishing which was tremendous fun! There isn’t one particular memory that stands out from the rest, or one that I can openly highlight from this whole experience. Each and every aspect of the orange river rafting adventure contributed to making this our most unforgettable vacation ever!!!

We will definitely return!

Ps. The settlement of Onseepkans is a remarkable place for photography – it seems to be frozen in time with plenty of old buildings it felt like it was frozen in time. Pity I lost my SD card in Cape Town before i could upload the pictures 🙁

Thank you Melissa for the awesome feedback – Pictures below are from past experiences on our Orange River Rafting trips. If you would like to book an adventure of a life time contact us